The Ergociser

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Editors' Review

This freeware program is basically a timer designed to remind desk-bound users to take scheduled breaks by doing ergonomic exercises. You simply choose from four predefined time intervals (15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes), minimize the program to your system tray, and go back to your work until The Ergociser automatically launches your browser and directs you to the publisher's site. There, an animated demonstration of a particular stretching activity is coupled with instruction and the purpose of the activity. We like that users can conveniently and freely browse the site for stretches for specific parts of the body. Moreover, the Web site includes some strengthening exercises and 5- to 10-minute stretch combinations you can easily perform whether you're at home or the office. Testing turned up one problem: the Close Window button at the Web site did not function. Frequent and long-term computer users and persons with RSIs will surely appreciate what The Ergociser has to offer.

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Publisher's Description

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From ergocise.com:
The Ergociser is a free, Web-based ergonomic exercise program especially designed for computer users. Ergocise combines a simple reminder program with over one hundred short animations of simple, ergonomically correct stretches and strengthening exercises. Combining gentle warm-ups, stretches, strengthening ergocises and self-massage, ergocise's reminder program can help reduce computer-related stress and tension as well as help prevent RSIs.

Hi, I checked out the other timed break programs and no question that Ergociser has the right idea. Basic 'alarm' timing for breaks but, the suggested exercises are great, simple with instructions. I have not yet had a duplicate exercise & fun

Cons

Yes, the animation could be better and the overall graphics cleaner but, really, if you are looking for an alarm/timed break piece of software with a variety of exercises to help you not to be a complete office chair potato, this is the one.

Summary

Great, simple. The developer's vision is right on target. Does what it says and the only one for free I found, and I tested a bunch. that is complete and compact in giving you an automatic alarm/timed break mechanism built-in with dozens and dozens of mini-exercising. These type of 'forced' breaks also have a key benefit of cleaning out your brain of accumulated junk to be able to have a better clarity of purpose.

An excellent idea, ability to set timed notices to get up and stretch. It really is useful in days where lots of us sit at our computers day in day out getting stiff. The stretches open as a link in your browser and you can follow them. Good idea, good exercises, overall: nice.

Cons

It's looks really need work. Technically it works nicely but it's interface, the exercise pages online, everything is just completely unattractive. Just a bit of tweaking in this department and it can get a full 5 stars from me.

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